Bears hire Tucker to lead defense

The Bears have named Mel Tucker as their new defensive coordinator.

Tucker, who has 16 years of coaching experience in both college and the NFL, spent the past four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also served as the Jaguars' assistant head coach in 2012 and was the team's interim head coach for five games in 2011 after Jack Del Rio was dismissed.

Before he joined the Jaguars, Tucker spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, including one year as defensive coordinator (2008) and three years as a defensive backs coach. Tucker also has worked as an assistant coach at Ohio State, LSU, Michigan State and Miami (Ohio).

Tucker replaces Rod Marinelli, who decided to leave the Bears after four seasons despite requests to stay from new head coach Marc Trestman. On Friday, Marinelli agreed to become the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line coach and work alongside longtime friend Monte Kiffin, according to the Dallas Morning News.